Digging

Why do dogs dig? 

Digging is instinctual for dogs. They dig to hide bones, to follow the scent of a burrowing animal, to escape from a yard to find a mate, to find relief on a hot day in the cool earth and possibly because they can and because it's fun.

Digging can also be a reaction. A dog that is left outside alone for a long period of time can become bored, frustrated and lonely, afraid or anxious and might dig to help alleviate those feelings.

As with anything, knowledge is power. And while you may not be able to completely stop your dog's instinct to dig, you can most certainly lessen it.

Most importantly, have your dog neutered or spayed. This will curb their desire to roam and will also help with the overpopulation problem we face today. Do not leave your dog unsupervised for long periods of time in the backyard. Dogs are social animals and it's natural for them to want to be where you are. Always provide some form of shade and access to fresh drinking water all summer. And spend time every day playing or training your dog to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. All of these things should lessen your dog's need to dig.

That being said, some dog's urges to dig can still be stronger than others. If this is the case, designate an area of your yard where your dog is allowed to dig. Bury some treats, bones or outdoor toys to make that area more enticing. If you catch your dog digging somewhere else, interrupt with a firm "NO" or "STOP" and calmly bring him to the area you designated. Be sure to praise when he digs in the appropriate place. Never yell or punish your dog, especially if you find evidence of digging after the fact.

We can allow dogs to follow their natural instincts and still set rules for them at the same time. The result is a happier dog and human.

Loose Leash Walking

It's a beautiful thing to see a human and dog walking side by side. Do you ever wonder how they became so in sync? Do you ever wonder what the secret is to loose leash walking?

I think the secret is time, patience and consistency. It's never to late to improve the time you spend walking with your dog.


Why do dogs pull?

Dogs pull when they are excited, to get to smells and sights, to greet dogs and/or humans, to chase a cat or a squirrel, to get to their favourite spot to pee or because they have excess energy to burn.

Before the walk:

Many owners tend to get their dog into an excited state before even leaving the house.  The next time you are going for a walk, try not talking to your dog. Just quietly get ready and go to the door or wherever your dog's leash is. Your dog will still know it's time to go for a walk as whatever routine you have established has not gone unnoticed.

If you have a very high energy dog, you will benefit from playing fetch or doing some other activity that will burn some excess energy before you walk together.

When you are ready and your dog is leashed up, remember to go out the door first. This will help set the tone for your walk.

During the walk:

Try stopping or change direction whenever your dog starts walking in front of you or the leash gets tight. Consistency is the key, your dog will take advantage if you aren't. But if you are consistent, your dog will eventually learn to walk by your side. For younger and higher energy dogs, you can step it up by jogging or even running. The key is to always keep your dog in a follower position, either beside or behind you.

You can still allow your dog to sniff a favourite spot and explore the grass. Just make sure you are the one leading the way to the area.

After the walk:

Just as you did before the walk, lead your dog back into your home.

Enjoy your walk!

Birds Fly, Fish Swim, Dogs Walk!



Walking is one of the most important activities you do with your dog. I'd even go so far to say if you don't want to walk everyday, you probably shouldn't have a dog!

Walking for a dog is primal. It's what they do and they love doing it. And you can too! Walking can be a special bonding time with your dog. It's a chance to get out and meet your neighbours and also to meet other dogs in the area. And it is great exercise for us and our dogs.

You should aim for 2 or 3 walks a day for at least 30 minutes (this can and will vary depending on the breed, size, age and the energy level of your dog). Imagine sitting at home for 7 to 9 hours a day with nothing to do. On average that's what we ask our dogs to do every single day. We owe it to them to get out of the house every morning for a good walk to relieve themselves and burn off some energy. In turn when it's time for you to go to work, they will be ready to settle down and rest. In nature, dogs migrate, hunt, eat and then rest or play. So go for a walk first and then feed when you get back home. You will fulfill your dog's instinct of working for his food and he will naturally settle down after.

And after a long day of waiting for you, the best reward you can give your dog is a good walk when you get home from work! This is a great time for all family members to get together and walk as a pack. If you have had a stressful or tiring day, this walk will clear your mind and energize you for the evening ahead. And again walk first, feed after and your pooch will be ready to settle down while you go about your evening chores or activities.

If your dog is very high energy you will have to step it up on your walks. During your walk you can do some training exercises (sit, stay, heel). Or go around trees, guide them to jump up on rocks, picnic tables or benches. Next time you go for a walk, look around and think about what you can use to stimulate your dog mentally as well as physically. You can also bike or rollerblade with your dog to burn even more energy. Please use common sense if you've worked your dog very hard during your walk and give them time to calm down before feeding. I highly recommend educating yourself on the subject of "Bloat" in dogs.

Dogs love routine but also need variety so change it up. Do your favourite route backwards or walk down the opposite side of the street (there are different smells there). Have a few routes to choose from so that neither of you get bored. Take your dog to dog parks, trails and even downtown or around other neighbourhoods. Going somewhere new is as exciting for your dog as it is for you, especially if it includes a ride in the car!

Wherever you do walk, make sure you keep your dog on the opposite side of traffic at all times. A six foot leash is the best as it gives your dog room to explore but also gives you control when you need it. Ideally you want your dog to walk either beside you or behind you. Stay tuned for tips on "Loose Leash Walking".

Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and an important part of their development. Often puppies will use chewing to help soothe their gums during teething much like a baby using a soother. Adult dogs chew because they can and because the like it. Chewing gives them a purpose, helps alleviate boredom and uses their energy. And a bonus for you, it helps keep their teeth clean.

With that being said, be proactive regarding your dog's chewing habits. Always have appropriate chew toys and/or bones available  (remember to do your research to find the safest toys and bones).

It is your responsibility to educate your dog as to what is and is not appropriate to chew. Use your common sense, if you want to set your dog up for success put away things you don't want him to chew and make things you do want him to chew very obvious. You can do this by either rubbing something tasty on the outside of it or stuffing some treats or baby carrots inside if possible. Allow your dog to work for the toy by getting him to sit or lie down for it. Or you can ask him to wait while you hide it and praise him when he finds it. You will be fulfilling his need to chew and play while brushing up on your leadership skills at the same time.

Never yell at dog after the fact if you do find something chewed that shouldn't have been. If you catch your dog in the act, then give him a firm "NO" and give him something you want him to chew. When he takes it, praise him. Remember it's always better to reinforce a good habit.

To avoid excessive and compulsive chewing, make sure you are meeting your dog's exercise requirements based on his energy level. A tired dog is a good dog!

Barking

Have you ever noticed that when there is a dog in the neighbourhood that is outside constantly barking, everyone always says "I wish that stupid dog would shut up"!!! Instead they should be saying "I wish that dog's owner would pay attention to their dog and find out why they're barking"!!! What the average person doesn't realize is that dogs are social animals and don't like to be separated from their pack. So when a dog is left outside alone for a long period of time, chances are they will bark to try and get their owners attention. And I don't blame them!

Contrary to popular belief, dog's do not bark to drive us crazy. Dogs bark to communicate with other dogs, other species, humans and sometimes even inanimate objects. But what are they saying?

The two main reasons dogs bark are guarding (or warning) and attention seeking. However they also bark when they are anxious, afraid, bored, frusterated, playful, excited. Barking is normal and should not be discouraged unless it becomes excessive.

If you dog barks excessively and often, you need to ask yourself why? Has your dog been left outside alone for a long period of time? Is your dog bored and in need of some exercise? You owe it to your dog to find out what the reason is and how to deal with it. A well balanced dog who gets enough physical and mental stimulation won't bark more than necessary to communicate to you.

Anti bark devices are cruel and should not be used for any reason. Your dog is worth so much more than that.

There is a wonderful book I read called "How to Speak Dog, Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication" by Stanley Coren. At the end of the book he provides a collection of signals dogs use to communicate from barking to whining to yipping. I highly recommend this book to any dog owner out there who wants to understand their four legged friend better.

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